Evelyn Crechriou

Evelyn Crechriou, age 90 of Gazelle, passed away on March 8, 2013 in Ashland, Ore. after a lengthy illness.

Evelyn Crechriou, age 90 of Gazelle, passed away on March 8, 2013 in Ashland, Ore. after a lengthy illness.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, John L. Crechriou of Gazelle; her son Dean E. Crechriou and his wife Joanna of Dixon; and her son John V. Crechriou and his wife Cyndi of Gazelle. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was born on March 15, 1922 in the Shasta Valley to Edwin Buscombe and Lillian West. As she described herself in those days, “I had bright red hair, freckles big as pancakes and grew up wild as a weed.”

She attended school in Big Springs, Gazelle, Weed and finally graduated from Yreka High School in 1940. Being born and raised in windy Shasta Valley had a strong influence on her. All her long life she loved to hear the wind blowing through the trees or around the house, and loved to feel a fresh breeze against her face.

She worked at a variety of jobs during her life including cooking for the hay crew, working at the box factory in Weed, counter work at a soda fountain, telephone switch board operator, hair dresser and clerical work at the county court house. One of her most demanding and rewarding jobs was the 20 years she spent as the secretary/bookkeeper at Etna High School. She enjoyed her interactions with the staff and kids whether she checked them off in the lunch line, worked with them in the office or just listened to their problems and fibs about why they had been absent from school.

She loved and worried about her family, keeping us all well fed, organized and heading in a positive direction – or else. She enjoyed gardening, her chickens, knitting and quilting. She loved and spoiled her pets which included a long line of terriers, strays, cow dogs and cats, of both the spoiled house and independent barn varieties. We will miss her and think of her often, particularly when the wind blows.

There will be a memorial service at Girdner Funeral Chapel on Friday, March 15, 2013 at 2 p.m. Online condolences may be made at www.girdnerfuneralchapel.com.